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San Javier launches its first ever local bus service with beach routes
More than 40 bus stops are planned for San Javier’s beaches, residential areas and the town centre
San Javier is preparing to launch its first-ever urban bus service in a move local officials say will completely transform public transport across the municipality.
The new €9.5 million network is expected to begin operating before the end of 2026 and will introduce more than 40 bus stops connecting the town centre, beaches, residential areas and outlying villages.
At the moment, many residents rely on intercity services that aren’t designed around local journeys. One example often highlighted is the route linking San Javier with Los Arcos Hospital, which currently starts in neighbouring San Pedro del Pinatar.
Transport Councillor Héctor Verdú said the new network would modernise the municipality’s public transport system and make bus travel far more practical for everyday use.
“It will be a revolution in local transport, a qualitative leap forward with digitised buses, passenger counting and a mobile app to provide information on arrival times,” he explained.
Mr Verdú said work on the project first began around three years ago and described the process as “a puzzle”, partly because the routes had to complement existing intercity services without duplicating them. The project has also been overseen by the regional Ministry of Public Works.
One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of two circular routes connecting San Javier with Santiago de la Ribera and its beaches, with buses expected every 30 minutes throughout the day.
The planned route will travel through key areas including Sandoval Avenue, the ferry dock, the General Air Academy, Avenida Mar Menor, IES Mar Menor, the Molino Plaza shopping centre, the San Javier Museum, sports facilities and Dos Mares shopping centre before continuing along the coast towards Lo Pagán.
Another route will link Santiago de la Ribera with central San Javier and Los Arcos Hospital.
Smaller villages and residential zones will also be included in the network, with seven daily bus services planned for outlying districts. El Mirador will receive three stops and Euro Roda four.
According to the council, buses will operate daily from 7am until 11pm, with 32 departures scheduled each day.
Passengers will be able to track buses in real time using a mobile app, while major stops will also feature digital displays showing waiting times.
The council believes the service could significantly reduce dependence on private cars, especially for older residents, younger people and those without access to transport.
Verdú said affordable fares are a major part of the plan. Pensioners on low incomes will be able to travel for 30 cents per journey, with other pensioners paying 60 cents. Young people will pay a flat rate of 80 cents.
Large families will also qualify for reduced fares depending on their category, while passengers with disabilities will travel free of charge.
Residents using discounted fares will need a travel card costing €3 initially, which can then be topped up on the bus, through ticket machines or via the mobile app.
For everyone else, a standard single ticket will cost €1.50, although a 10-trip pass will reduce the cost to €1.15 per journey.
The project received provisional approval in 2024 before being fully approved in 2025. The deadline for companies to submit bids for the contract has now been extended until Tuesday June 10, 2026 after strong interest from transport operators.
The council expects to award the contract this summer. The winning company will also need to build a local garage and workshop and provide at least four hybrid buses as part of efforts to reduce emissions.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist offices of San Javier (main contact number 661 572285) or go to the home page of San Javier Today.
Image: Wikimedia
